84' m20 or 91m42

[sketchkid]

Hey guys Im not new here use to be on here year ago but forgot my login but here under newbie. Anyways this will be my 3rd e30 Iam trying to decided on with a 84 coupe' m20 sterling for $600 currently not running, owner says its crank sensor or a 1991 318 m42, its running both standard the 91 no leather and waiting bonded title he is asking 1100 cash. Im looking to restore to its original life and use as a weekend drive as i drive a 07 328i now daily.

Pics below should i save the extra $500 and get the m20 or its worth buying the running m42 which still needs some exterior work and paint and some engine repairs.

M20







M42

[roguetoaster]

It's always advisable to buy the car that's in better condition. That way when you do repairs you'll have less to do/spend.

If you do get the M42 be sure you can live with Corolla levels of power first. IMO the M42 is the better engine stock, but the M20 has more potential for modification.

[fresh_TD]

Get the 318. M42 ftw.. you won't have to deal with adjusting valves, or changing out timing belts with the M42;-). Also has coil on plug ignition vs. The distributor, rotor combo on the M20. Better gas mileage. I mean what's not to like about the M42

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[jpod999]

Get the 318. M42 ftw.. you won't have to deal with adjusting valves, or changing out timing belts with the M42;-). Also has coil on plug ignition vs. The distributor, rotor combo on the M20. Better gas mileage. I mean what's not to like about the M42

COP is not stock but is pretty easy to do. Stock, the coils are located on the passenger side fender well and coil wires run over to the plugs.

To the OP: Did you look at the 318i or just take pics as you drove by? If you haven't actually looked at both cars, you need to do that.

[modernist]

I would get the newer car, swap later if desired. Finding a good engine is easier than finding a good shell. I love M20s, but early Motronic in particular is a bitch to deal with.

you won't have to deal with adjusting valves, or changing out timing belts

true, but these are both very easy tasks

[fresh_TD]

COP is not stock but is pretty easy to do. Stock, the coils are located on the passenger side fender well and coil wires run over to the plugs.

To the OP: Did you look at the 318i or just take pics as you drove by? If you haven't actually looked at both cars, you need to do that.

I meant coil and plug, not coil on plug[emoji1] my bad.. I have a 318is ;-)

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[fresh_TD]

I would get the newer car, swap later if desired. Finding a good engine is easier than finding a good shell. I love M20s, but early Motronic in particular is a bitch to deal with.



true, but these are both very easy tasks

Sure they are easy, but its easier when you don't have to perform them at all

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[Kershaw]

The '84 m20 is going to be a 325e, which has 127hp. Less than an m42, which has 138hp.

I wouldn't get an e30 before 86 imo.

[2mAn]

The '84 m20 is going to be a 325e, which has 127hp. Less than an m42, which has 138hp.

I wouldn't get an e30 before 86 imo.

but the torques man... the torques..

[Kershaw]

I absolutely loved my 87 325es. Favorite e30 by far. Not dissing the m20b27, just stating some facts about the power because of the second comment.

[TobyB]

M42. It's a better color.
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[RedTeam]

In my opinion, a rough-looking car that runs/drives is a lot more fun than a pretty car stuck in your garage. The M42 is a little weak, but it's enough to throw around and have some fun in. Way lighter and more rev-happy than the M20B27.

[mjimport]

M42

But at this price point, condition and risk are more important factors than initial cost.

[varg]

Neither. Both of those cars look like they're basket cases, just save up for something decent.

the M42 is the better engine stock

LMAO

Get the 318. M42 ftw.. you won't have to deal with adjusting valves, or changing out timing belts with the M42;-). Also has coil on plug ignition vs. The distributor, rotor combo on the M20. Better gas mileage. I mean what's not to like about the M42

The M42 is poop. Timing belt jobs and valve adjustments are a small price to pay for not having to deal with M42 issues. The only thing a 318is has on a 325is is less weight and better handling. Granted the cars being compared here aren't 325is vs 318is, but see above.

Of the cars in the OP, the 318 is the better starting point for performance mods, but the engine is the weak point.

[fresh_TD]

Neither. Both of those cars look like they're basket cases, just save up for something decent.



LMAO



The M42 is poop. Timing belt jobs and valve adjustments are a small price to pay for not having to deal with M42 issues. The only thing a 318is has on a 325is is less weight and better handling. Granted the cars being compared here aren't 325is vs 318is, but see above.

Of the cars in the OP, the 318 is the better starting point for performance mods, but the engine is the weak point.

Your opinion of course. . I prefer the M42 over the M20 any day of the week, and I own both.

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